Pressure to perform for highly-ranked Jeff golf team

Jordan Cox watches her putt on No. 13 during second round play of the Girls County golf tournament Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Coyote Crossing. Cox shot an 87. Lafayette Jeff won the team title with a score of 341.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

LAFAYETTE — Even though Lafayette Jeff girls golf team will have a new coach, expectations could not be higher for the Bronchos, especially for seniors Jordan Cox and Courtney Walter.

That comes with some pressure, though, ranked No. 10 in the state on a squad that has won 10 straight sectional titles and is defending North Central Conference champions. Brian Keene, who is taking over the program from previous coach John Hatter, said he appreciates having two seniors with the experience of Cox and Walter.

Cox and Walter have been part of the Bronchos program for the past three years as Jeff continued to be the local king of hill among girl's golf programs. Now, it's up to them to help maintain the legacy.

"The seniors are always valuable in leading the other girls on how to act and what to expect from them," Keene said. "These girls have been around from the entire duration. They know the culture of the program and what needs to be done."

Cox and Walter, who along with Megan Donahue and Sydney Gregory were All-NCC selections a year ago, have seen Jeff dominate locally and said they would like to carry on that tradition this year.

"It feels pretty good being a senior and being able to help the other girls," Cox said. "It's been three years and now me and Courtney are the leaders of the team. I think we're going to play our hardest and see what happens."

Walter's 85 in the regional last year is the best score of any returning area player. She said Jeff may have its best team in a long time because all the players can shoot in the mid 80s and consistently score low.

Donahue, a junior who was Jeff's top golfer last year, returns and is coming off a second play finish last month in the Women's City Golf Championship.

"I think we're in good shape to keep (the sectional streak) going," Walter said. "I would feel bad if we didn't but I think we will be able to 11th in a row. I think we have a good opportunity that we can beat our school record at another golf course this year."

Cox, whose 87 last year in sectional tied her for third place, said that she is hoping to sharpen up her short game which should drive down her score.

"You can score better if you do better around the greens," Cox said. "I think it can maybe knock a few strokes off your round and get your game into the low 80s, high 70s. I think it can put me in the mid to high 70s."

Indeed, along with Gregory, Jeff returns four of its five top golfers to a team that was just missed advancing to state by nine strokes. Walter said Keene has given them more responsibility that will help them off the golf course as well as on.

Cox said Keene has a different tone in his coaching style than Hatter and thinks the girls will respond well to it. Keene said he hopes that is the case in leading the Bronchos this season.

"I think they all know the end goal," Keene said. "I hope they are able to react to me and reach their potential."